Express Yourself
Our program addresses this craft on many levels from beginners to folks who have approached this art form for years. Our teachers are skilled, experienced, and full of inspiration.
Why bother writing songs?
Creative expression is good for you and good for the universe. Expressing yourself musically and searching for your truths and motivations makes you a more compassionate person and pours positive energy back into the universe.
New to songwriting? Songwriting: Fundamentals is a great place to start.
Tuesday or Wednesday with Steve Dawson or Josh Ruebeck
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
Own the keys that will unlock the songs within you.
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave
Tuesday, Wednesday or Sunday with Charles Kim, Steve Dawson or Josh Ruebeck
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
Expand the range of your self-expression through songs.
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave
If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
Saturday with Staff
90 minutes · Once a week for 1 week · $45 ($40 members)
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
Our private lessons like our group classes run in 8-week sessions, however, you can begin private lessons during any week in the session. Please call our customer service folks at 773.728.6000 to register as private lesson availability is based upon individual teacher schedules.
Lessons are scheduled weekly, for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, and are available every day of the week at our Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations. Our experienced and professional faculty will work with you to develop an individualized program that helps you achieve your musical goals.
Stop in at either location or call the front desk at 773.728.6000 to register.
$360 for 30 minutes ($350 for members)
$512 for 45 minutes ($497 for members)
$656 for 60 minutes ($636 for members)
8-week lessons: 08/31/2026 – 10/25/2026
Monday 07/13/26: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 07/27/26: Transfer registration
Wednesday 07/29/26: Open registration
8-week lessons: 10/26/2026 – 12/20/2026
Monday 09/21/26: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 10/05/26: Transfer registration
Wednesday 10/07/26: Open registration
Click for teacher profiles and schedules
Rachael Botz »
Fiddle, Violin, Mandolin, Viola, Songwriting, Wiggleworms
Steve Dawson »
Guitar, Songwriting
Sue Demel »
Songwriting, Performance
Deanna Devore »
Guitar, Songwriting
Shelley Miller »
Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele, Ensembles
Josh Ruebeck »
Audio Engineering, Voice, Guitar, Bass, Songwriting
Temple Schultz »
Voice, Piano, Songwriting
Jacob Sweet »
Bass Guitar, Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele
Anonymous
James G. Hart Foundation
Geraldine Keefe
Negaunee Foundation
Rob and Karen Ospalik
Tomford and Grossman Family
